Zuiun Junior High School

Today we visited Zuiun Junior High School. The school has 471 students. We were warmly welcomed by the Principal, Vice Principal, and PTA. The principal wore his kimono because today was such a special day!
We observed classes for most of the day. In Japan, the maximum class size is 40 students. Most of the classes I visited had between 35 and 40 students. The primary teaching method is direct instruction. However, students work in groups in some subjects like science. All students wear uniforms.

Junior high schools in Japan are for students in seventh, eighth, and ninth grade. Ninth grade is a critical year because in January students take a test that will determine which high school they can go to.

I was surprised to see how similar Japanese students are to American students – some are serious, silly, popular, loners, engaged, daydreaming, energetic, and sleepy. We are much more alike than different!
I had lunch with a seventh grade class. Did you know that Japanese students serve each other lunch?
In the afternoon, the students had a welcome ceremony for us. They sang their school song and the chorus “Daichisansyou”. It was wonderful! Two of the teachers gave a kendo demonstration.

At the end of the day we had a discussion with teachers. We were able to ask the teachers questions and they asked us questions as well. Teachers describe their students as good natured and self-motivated, however sometimes lacking in assertiveness. The two challenges the school faces are increasing scholastic achievement and developing healthy minds (moral enhancement). The principal said, “Although we are facing many challenges, I hope the world will become one and raise our children.”
This evening we had a welcome reception at the city hall. There were about 120 people – city officials, distinguished guests, principals and vice principals from the schools we will visit, and our host families.

My host mother’s name is Yuko. She works arranging flowers from her home. Her husband is a printer and is very busy at this time of year. He usually gets home at 11pm. Yuko has three children, but only one of them is still living at home. He is 23.

At the welcome reception we had two special performances. First, we heard music using the Japanese harp (koto) and Japanese bamboo flute (shakuhachi). Next, we heard Japanese drum (taiko). The Japanese drums are very loud.

The city presented us each with gifts – two books and two figurines. Everyone has been especially kind and generous to us!